XXII Annual Convention of the National Academy of Psychology (NAOP) India- Abstracts

The ten innovative student researchers along with Dr. Navin Kumar to attended the XXII Annual Convention of the National Academy of Psychology (NAOP) India at Department of Psychology, Christ University, Bangalore, Karnataka held on 10- 12 Dec 2012 and presented their paper titled 'Mass media domain and its impact on psycho-social well being'. The chairperson of the session for our symposium is Prof. Girishwar Mishra.

Innovative Student Researchers presenting their paper at NAOP along with Dr. N. Kumar

The abstracts of the 10 students are as follows:

MASS MEDIA DOMAIN AND ITS IMPACT ON PSYCHO-SOCIAL WELL BEING

ABSTRACTS

1. History of Mass Media in Global and Indian Context

It is a known fact that if we want to know the present situation of anything we should trace its history. It is very interesting to know that how this all internet, sms, world radios are developed from a piece of paper which was first printed in china in 868 AD. To understand the true spirit and nature of mass media knowing its history is important.

The history of mass media would help us in knowing the various contributions made by different individuals at different periods of time that made mass media as what it is today.

By Durgesh Ojha

2. Mass Media and Culture

The relationship between mass media and society has drastically changed over the last century. How the radio set has been completely transformed into internet and other latest gadgets during the course of time. Togetherness of joint family has been converted into the individuation of the nuclear family. The  role  of  media  should be to create  an awareness  about  various dimensions of  the society but it has been completely changed into a mad  race for  TRP  and  profit  for various  reputed media houses. The  corporate control  on  the  activities  of  mass  media  is  responsible  for  creating  this  cultural  shift  in  the  society.

By Mayank Dubey

3. The Mobile Phone Impact on Psycho Social Relations

Observational research on the social impact of cell phone usage in public places suggests that the mere presence of cell phones in public conflicts the private and public spheres and inhibits social interaction with proximate others (strangers or known persons). The purpose of this paper is to develop a theoretical model for which social effects of cell phone usage in public places documented in observational studies can be empirically tested. In this paper, we discuss various variables to consider in the study of cell phone usage (CPU) and social interaction with proximate others (SIPO).Findings imply that CPU in public places can distract users from social responsibilities, as they neglect the environment surrounding them.  There are many concerns about the impact of the constant media input that cell phones provide for youth, but there are many advantages as well.

By Sanchita Johri

4. Mass Media and Marginal

The mass media, both electronic and print, has tremendous potential to achieve greater social equity and empowerment, and improve everyday life for those on the margins of society. This article discusses how media influences marginalized sections. Apart from improving the lifestyle, mass media has also forced them to leave their traditional culture and values to some extent and has imposed its own belief system. The media effects are discussed in both global and Indian contexts. In the end, some limitations and future suggestions are presented.

By Ajay Kumar

5. Mass Media and Career Challenges and Opportunities

The world has witnessed a phenomenal and unprecedented explosion in communication technology and media. All boundaries have been transcended, and the entire global community seems to have been brought together into one unified whole. And it is here that mass media, as a stream of study, and as a career, becomes so important and enviable. Mass Communication is not limited to journalism alone. Careers in Mass Communication are not only high paying but also bring in a great deal of job satisfaction and expression of creativity. A professional course in mass communication opens doors for a career in films & TV, publishing, public relations, journalism, editing, direction, filmmaking, scriptwriting, production, etc. In nutshell, Mass Communication widens up the horizon of career options for a person. Depending upon personal interest and inclination a mass communication professional can choose a job. Mass media brings not only career opportunities but also brings along with it career challenges in a way that the media is more about making money and swaying opines as opposed to just providing nonbiased information. Economic and Political influence often hinders the objectivity of mass media/communication.

By Nikita Jain

6. Mass Media and self-identity

The mass media are the entire array of the media specifically envisioned and designed to reach a large audience, like radio, television, magazines, newspapers and the World Wide Web. Mass media plays a major role in shaping a person’s self-identity. Self-Identity is a multi-dimensional construct that refers to an individual’s perception of self in relation to any number of characteristics such as academics, gender role, sexuality, racial identity and many others. Each of these characteristics is a research domain (i.e. Academic self-concept) within the larger spectrum of self-concept, although no characteristics exist in isolation as one’s self concept is a collection of beliefs about oneself. There are numerous factors that either make up or restrain the self-identity of a person or an individual. These include cultural and environmental influences.  The self (“I”) comprises of physical self, social self and psychological self. An individual's identity incorporates the personality, looks, fears and beliefs. These beliefs are formed by the environmental influences which can lead to formation of different perceptions. It is important to note that, the identity of an individual is not permanent. It can be altered with various methods including workshops and counselling sessions. Various eminent psychologists like Erik Erikson, John Locke & Tajfel have given contribution in aspects of social and self-identity which have been the basis of various researches.

By Charvi Sharma

7. Social Media Challenges and Opportunities

Social media (magazines, social blog, internet etc.) is the social instrument of communication. Various challenges include how we meet and stay in touch with people, how we start and do business etc. Social media has wide application in various fields.
Social media is a new challenge as well as an opportunity. It is connecting people to communicate wide range of views and ideas. It is also posing threat to the policy-makers by certain deviations and misuse by certain sections of the people. It is an area that needs attention of researcher to explore various opportunities and challenges.

By Prashansa Sharma

8. Role of Mass Media in Eradication of Social Evils

The media should speak out more on social issues and create awareness on eradication of all kinds of social evils in society. Media is an integral part of a democratic set up, as it is not only a conveyor of news of its readers and viewers, but it also is one of the platforms for expressing views on issues of public interest of the day. Media should adopt a socially responsible approach to create awareness in society about child marriage, dowry, female foeticide and female infanticide, drug addiction and alcoholism. These social issues still persist in the country despite several legislation against them; media should create awareness about these laws and help remove social prejudices among Indians.

By Kanchan Bharadwaj

9. Media Citizenship

Media like everything else can be used for benefit or disaster, depending upon the intention of the person who is using that. In current times we see that sometime media is helping individuals to obtain their rights. Government also educate and aware their citizens through means of mass media. Media acts as a loudspeaker of general public which made governments listen the voices of minorities. But on the other hand media is criticized for being selective and motivated to earn money. There are incidents where media houses are charged for unethical practices and using their power of “reach to mass public” to gain benefit or help others to gain. So, it is very important to discuss and highlight the role of media in citizenship

By Sonali Ranjan

10. Mass Media and Consumerism

Mass media and consumerism consist of television, internet, mobile, newspaper etc. These all trends increase or decrease human needs for a product. Advertisements influence a person consciously and unconsciously for the use of product. Advertisers use various persuasion techniques to sell their product and change or form buyer’s attitude. Our lives are so much dependent on these advertisements that we can’t think to survive without them or without any trends of mass media.

By Megha Taragi